2017Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2017-07-26UTC11:17:38+00:002017-07-26A striking performance of The Planets had people humming their favourite bits on their way out of the hall, but the real winner was Vaughan Williams’ neglected valedictory symphony.Prom 14: John Wilson and BBC Scottish Symphony dazzling and searching in English greatsen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-prom-14-holst-vaughan-williams-wilson-bbc-scottish-july-2017Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngMark Thomashttps://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/21529https://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/21529https://bachtrack.com/files/36836-mark_thomas.jpgMark is a Chartered Secretary with a background in financial services and corporate administration. He currently works as a company secretary and has a Bachelor's degree in financial services and a Master's degree in finance and administration. His passion and enthusiasm for classical music started at an early age, with an initial keen interest in orchestral and chamber music which has since expanded to cover most genres across all periods. He plays viola and violin, and used to sing a little.https://bachtrack.com/files/64522-prom--14-cr-bbc-mark-allan-2-resized.jpg510340John Wilson and the BBC Scottish Symphony OrchestraBBC | Mark Allan2017-Jul-25, Royal Albert Hall: Prom 14https://bachtrack.com/concert-listing/royal-albert-hall/prom-14/25-july-2017/18-302017-07-252017-07-25Royal Albert HallLondonGreater LondonUnited KingdomSW7 2APKensington Gore51.5014299260821-0.17751932144165https://www.bbc.co.uk/events/er42mb?utm_medium=display&utm_source=bachtrack.comhttps://bachtrack.com/files/55870-bachtrack-240x240px.jpg3

The consequence of any war is destruction, and though ancient buildings continue to crumble under the terrific blast of modern warfare, the spirit of a people undefeated invariably gives way to creation with renewed fervour.

The sea has been the inspiration for many concert works; Debussy’s La mer springs to mind immediately as perhaps the most popular, but in England during the first half of the 20th century nautical themes sustained an important presence. Amongst Delius’ Sea Drift, Vaughan Williams’ A Sea Symphony and Britten’s Four Sea Interludes sits Frank Bridge’s short and splendid suite The Sea.

Tonight’s was an historic performance, so first, a few dates. On 14th November 1940, Luftwaffe bombing raids destroyed much of the medieval centre of Coventry, including most of its cathedral. On 30th May 1962, Benjamin Britten’s specially-commissioned War Requiem was premièred by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra in Sir Basil Spence’s newly consecrated cathedral.

A work scheduled to last nearly two hours could be excused for starting with a long slow build up, but Havergal Brian’s massive Gothic Symphony (the longest symphony ever composed) bursts onto the scene with a brisk and bustling march-like flourish, contrasted briefly with a delicate violin solo that reminds us that this is very much an English composition.